North East Police Forces Issue Statements Following Westminster Terrorist Attack

South Yorkshire Police Statement Thursday 230317

Following the atrocities in the capital yesterday afternoon, Chief Constable Stephen Watson said: “Our thoughts go out to all those affected in yesterday’s events in Westminster and we offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends of those who lost their lives and have suffered injury.

“We are also particularly saddened at the news of the passing of PC Keith Palmer, who died in the brave execution of his duty.

“To provide reassurance to the public there will be a more visible police presence across South Yorkshire with increased patrols throughout the county.

“While there is no specific information suggesting there is a threat to South Yorkshire at this time, I do want to remind the public to be alert, but not to be alarmed.”

All flags at South Yorkshire Police buildings are at half-mast today to honour and respect those who died, were injured and to everyone who was affected by the attack.

#WestminsterAttack #WeStandTogether

Cleveland Police Statement Thursday 230317:

Assistant Chief Constable Ciaron Irvine said: “Our thoughts are very much with the families, colleagues and friends of those who lost their lives or suffered otherwise as a result of the events in London yesterday. “Despite these events the local threat level, mirroring the national threat, has not changed and we have no specific intelligence to suggest any links to the Cleveland force area. However, we understand that there may be increased concerns among local residents and are increasing the visibility of neighbourhood patrols to offer reassurance to all of our communities.“Anyone with concerns or anyone who would like more information can refer to the Cleveland Police website for further advice on www.cleveland.police.uk ”

Humberside Police Statement Thursday 230317:

Following the tragic events that unfolded in London yesterday, Assistant Chief Constable Andy McDyer said: "Our deepest sympathies go out to all those affected by the tragic events in Westminster, to the family of PC Keith Palmer and those who lost their lives.

"The safety of the public remains our top priority and I want to reassure the people of Hull, East Riding and Northern Lincolnshire that we are reviewing all security in light of yesterday’s incident.

"There is no specific information suggesting an imminent threat to our area at this time and there has been no change to the current threat level for international terrorism in the UK which remains at Severe meaning 'an attack is highly likely'. We are reviewing the deployment of our officers and taking all possible steps to keep people safe and to minimise the risk of a terrorist attack occurring.

"The public will see an enhanced policing presence across Humberside as the UK police together with security and intelligence services are working around the clock to help keep communities safe. This will include increased visibility of uniformed officers.

"Above all, we urge people to be alert but not alarmed – we hope that the increased police presence across the area reassures the public that the police service and our partners are doing everything we can to help protect the security of our citizens, public institutions, critical national infrastructure and businesses.

"It is also incredibly important at times like this that communities come together and support each other.

"Should anyone have any concerns or see anything suspicious I would urge them to report it immediately to the Confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789321. In an emergency always dial 999.

"The easy-to-remember national guidance of Run, Hide, Tell, explains what people should do if they are confronted by terrorists.

First 'Run' to a place of safety. This is a far better option than trying to surrender or negotiate. If there is nowhere to run then 'hide'. It is better to hide than confront. Remember to turn your phone to silent and turn off vibrate. Barricade yourself in if you can. Then finally, and only when it is safe to do so, 'tell' by calling police on 999".

Durham Constabulary Statement Thursday 230317

Statement from Durham Constabulary in response to yesterday's terrorist attack in Westminster;

The force's Deputy Chief Constable, Jo Farrell said:

"Our sympathies go out to all those affected by the tragic events in London and to the family of PC Keith Palmer and those who lost their lives.

"The public's safety remains our top priority. I want to reassure the people of County Durham and Darlington that there is no specific information suggesting an imminent threat to our communities.

"There has been no change to the current threat level for international terrorism in the UK which remains at Severe and which means ‘an attack is highly likely’.

"I would like to stress that it is very much business as usual. There will be extra patrols by uniformed officers at key locations but this is merely a reassurance measure.

"We urge people to be alert but not alarmed. It is also incredibly important at times like this that communities come together and support each other.

"Should anyone have any concerns or see anything suspicious I would urge them to report it immediately to the Confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789321. In an emergency always dial 999."

North Yorkshire Police Statement Wednesday 220317:

North Yorkshire Police comment on today’s events in Westminster

Earlier today the Metropolitan Police Service announced the occurrence of a terrorist incident at Westminster in which four people died and at least 20 people were injured.

Commenting on the day’s events, the Chief Constable of North Yorkshire Police said:

"By now many people will have seen news coverage of the attack that took place at Westminster earlier today. I would like to reassure the public that there is no intelligence to suggest that there has been any change in the level of risk here in North Yorkshire. Nevertheless, in line with other police forces, we will continue to keep our contingency planning under close review, and make careful assessments of the security around any special events.

"On behalf of North Yorkshire Police I would like express my deepest sympathy to those who have lost loved ones, or who have suffered as a result of this attack. Our thoughts are with those people, and with our colleagues in the Metropolitan Police and other emergency services at this difficult time."

West Yorkshire Police Statement Wednesday 220317:

Assistant Chief Constable Russ Foster said: "Our sympathies go out to all those affected by the tragic events in London and to the family of the police officer and those who lost their lives.

"The public's safety remains our top priority and I want to reassure the people of West Yorkshire that we will be reviewing all security in light of today’s incident.

"At this time there is no specific information suggesting an imminent threat to West Yorkshire and there has been no change to the current threat level for international terrorism in the UK which remains at Severe and which means 'an attack is highly likely'. We will continue to review our deployments and take all possible steps to keep people safe and minimise the risk of a terrorist attack occurring".

"The public will see an enhanced policing presence across West Yorkshire as the UK police together with security and intelligence services are working around the clock to help keep communities safe. This will include increased visibility of uniformed officers and an uplift in the capability of armed response vehicles".

"We urge people to be alert but not alarmed – we hope that the increased police presence across the county reassures the public that the police service and our partners are doing everything we can to help protect the security of our citizens, public institutions, critical national infrastructure and businesses".

"It is also incredibly important at times like this that communities come together and support each other".

"Should anyone have any concerns or see anything suspicious I would urge them to report it immediately to the Confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789321. In an emergency always dial 999."

"The easy-to-remember national guidance of Run, Hide, Tell, explains what people should do if they are confronted by terrorists. First 'Run' to a place of safety. This is a far better option than trying to surrender or negotiate. If there is nowhere to run then 'hide'. It is better to hide than confront. Remember to turn your phone to silent and turn off vibrate. Barricade yourself in if you can. Then finally, and only when it is safe to do so, 'tell' by calling police on 999".